The Complete Guide To Outdoor Rugs

Your garden should be an extension of your space to relax, unwind, and recenter. Giving your outdoor space some extra thought can help to create a great place to socialise and balance your home.

At Taylor’s On The High Street, we understand the importance of creating an inviting and comfortable garden that reflects your personality. Outdoor rugs can play an important role in achieving your garden goals, by adding warmth, colour and texture to your space.

In this guide, we delve deeper into outdoor rugs, and how to clean, maintain, and pick the right rug for you.

Why Choose An Outdoor Rug

Outdoor patio rugs can blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. This transformation creates an inviting and stylish outdoor living room from a simple garden.

Garden rugs not only add aesthetic charm but also provide a comfortable soft surface. This makes it inviting to take off your shoes and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a tranquil moment of solitude, outdoor rugs create a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere.

Outdoor Rug Materials

Polypropylene

Polypropylene rugs are an excellent choice when picking the perfect accessory for your garden.

Polypropylene is a synthetic material that is lightweight and easy to clean, meaning maintenance is a breeze! It is also a popular choice due to its durability against moisture, mildew and fading. This kind of material is the perfect choice for rainy, damp or humid weather conditions.

We stock a gorgeous selection of polypropylene outdoor rugs at Taylor's, our personal favourite being Think's Outdoor Rug in Tweed.

Jute

Jute rugs offer a delightful affordable option for outdoor spaces, especially for those with an appreciation for interior design. These rugs crafted from natural jute fibres, bring a touch of rustic charm and warm, earthy aesthetic to any outdoor setting.

They are also great for outdoors, particularly in covered patio and seating areas. Jute is visually appealing and perfect for the sunnier months, however, in wetter and colder conditions, they are not as durable. Due to the material being biodegradable, jute is prone to mould and mildew, so make sure to store it properly after use!

Polyester

When people think about getting an outdoor rug for their home, polyester rugs are always a hit. They don't fade easily and are perfect for sunny spots or summer barbeques. Plus, they are long-lasting and super tough.

Polyester has one disadvantage: it is not as stain-resistant as polypropylene. To prevent any spillages, avoid having polyester near dining areas!

How To Care For Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs can act as pillars of your garden design, defining zones and social areas. So, you want to make sure you know how to properly look after it!Here are some top tips for keeping your rug looking crisp and snug...

How To Clean An Outdoor Rug

For the majority of outdoor rugs, cleaning is a straightforward process and doesn't require any items you wouldn't already have. All you need is:

• Hoover
• Soft bristle brush
• Hose
• Dish Soap / Vinegar

Step 1: Beat That Rug!

Take your rug to an area where you don't mind dust and debris falling, and give it a good shake. Pop on some gloves and knock firmly all over the rugs to release any loose dirt. If your rug is too big to carry, drape it over a fence and tackle one side at a time.

Step 2: Hoover Tough Debris

A fine layer of dust and debris will still be on your rug after beating and shaking. Going over your rug again with a hoover will ensure it's totally clear before adding any liquids!

Step 3: Rinse The Rug

If your rug is made of washable materials (check the label for instructions), you'll want to give it a rinse.

Use a garden hose to apply a generous amount of water to the surface, pushing all the dirt and stains away. It's best to do this step on an inclined surface, such as the driveway, so the water can drain quickly.

*It's important to note that this step shouldn't be taken with jute rugs, as too much water may cause them damage. Instead, use warm soapy water and a cloth to hand clean. *

Step 4: Lather and Scrub

For this step, fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, such as fairy liquid. You can also use a small amount of vinegar or baking soda for tougher stains or mould. Lather this mixture onto the rug, making sure to get all the sides and corners too.

Then use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub this into the fibres, going in circular motions.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the outdoor rug with water to remove all the soap. Then, lay flat to dry, alternatively, pin it to a clothesline, making sure it's spread out. Make sure both sides of the rug are fully dry before rolling it up to store away. Otherwise, it's all good to go for you to enjoy again in your garden escape.

How To Pick The Right Rug For You

Whether you're looking to add a splash of colour or protect your patio, there is an outdoor rug perfect for you. Before racing ahead and buying the first one you like, there are a few things you should consider.

• What material best works for your space?

First off, consider the weather conditions where you live, as some rugs are better suited to wetter or dryer weather. Head back up to our Materials section to decide what works best for you.

• What size and shape are looking for?

It's good to know what size and shape you're looking for before shopping for an outdoor rug. Measure out your desired area for the rug beforehand, and make decisions from there.

Consider the shape too, how is the seating arranged? If your area is more linear, opt for a rectangular rug. If not, you might want to play around with different seating arrangements and go for a round outdoor rug.

• What aesthetic are you going for?

Have you got a certain style in mind for your dream garden? Take into consideration your favourite kind of looks, it could be bohemian, contemporary, fairy or even coastal. This should give you a good idea of what colour scheme to go for and some cute accessories to match...

How To Style Your Outdoor Rug

If you're looking to get yourself an outdoor rug, it's likely you're planning a garden makeover! Creating a little sanctuary in your garden can be a fun project and you can style it in so many ways.

Here are a few fun ideas and accessories that you can perfectly pair with your outdoor rug...

Outdoor Floor Cushions

Outdoor floor cushions are perfect for the warmer months. Bring some fun to your next bbq or picnic by sitting comfortably together under the sun.

They are a fantastic way of creating an informal atmosphere with your loved ones. You can use them to add fun pops of colour too!

Take a look at our Extreme Lounging B- Pads for some inspiration!

Outdoor Bean Bags

Outdoor bean bags are a super fun way to relax outdoors, especially with kids! They are both comfortable and casual, and provide the perfect space to sit down, relax and read a book.

You can style these in different ways, by playing around with different textures and colours.

Adding bean bags to your garden is also super trendy, as it's a modern alternative to expensive outdoor furniture. Do you like the sound of this? Check out our weatherproof outdoor bean bags we have in stock (they pair perfectly with floor pillows too!)

Ornaments

This is somewhere where you can express your full creativity! Whether you're going for a bohemian, minimalist, or fairy cottage theme, adding little touches of character and personality is a must.

Next time you're thinking of diving into a fun garden project, consider outdoor rugs! Creating a space in nature to relax, make memories and socialise will not only make your home feel more spacious but benefit your mental well-being.